I've been to Dubai five times, most recently five weeks ago. I used to deal with ports and shipping containers from the inland warehouse and distribution end. I know enough to know that most people with something to say on this issue don't know what they are talking about.
ping
I've generally kept quiet on the whole thing, since I know I don't know enough, and haven't found/made time to get really informed about it.
That said, the one thing about this, that really gives me pause, is that Jimmy Carter is for it. That's generally not a good sign.
Still, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then, maybe this is a time when Carter is right.
Cannoneer No. 4 wrote: "I've been to Dubai five times, most recently five weeks ago. I used to deal with ports and shipping containers from the inland warehouse and distribution end..."
What is your impression then of this whole issue?
I wonder what sort of outcry there might have been, had the takeover offer of P&O by Singaporean PSA International Pte gone through.
A few days ago, someone w/port work experience noted that container shipping today is a commodity: it goes where it is needed and there aren't all that many of the ships in relation to the need for them.
Is terminal operations similar? There are a lot of ports; they are essential; there are only 3-4 companies worldwide that provide these services; none of the providers are American (although someone stated there is one US company that does port terminal operations, I haven't yet come across a name). If there is need for terminal operations, will one of these service companies gravitate to take up the slack or will the ports have to shut down?
I can imagine that W's standing, if not America's, has improved in Arab countries the last couple days.
Please, don't confuse me with the facts!